1st Week of Lent, Friday : 6th March 2020

During this penitential season, we intentionally set aside time to reflect more deeply and prayerfully about our lives. Let us read the readings for Lent attentively as they will console us much.

Today’s reading from Ezekiel tells us that our sin is not the last word, but God’s mercy is. During this Lent, as we examine our lives, renounce our sins, and make a resolute commitment to obey God — God will forgive us and breathe new life into us.

Ezekiel says God would prefer to see us renounce our wickedness and live; because God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked.

The reading from the Psalm reveals to us the Psalmist’s realisation that if God should mark our guilt, then who would survive (v 3). Therefore, we can follow the Psalmist’s example by appealing to God for mercy, in our times of guilt, because with the Lord “is found forgiveness” (v 4); “mercy and fullness of redemption” (v 7). Let us cry to the Lord whenever we sin, wait upon God, and count on God’s word. (Ps 139:1, 5).

Lord, grant us the strength and perseverance to shake off all our sins and move forward towards a new heart and a new spirit.